Letters to the Editor

as I read your report (NOW, May 17-23) on the adverse side effects on the residents and protestors at the Summit and the probability that these effects were likely caused by tear gas.

I wrote thousands of letters across Canada to people in all walks of life in different organizations, unions and universities. Most people replied in total agreement that the entire way our government handled the protestors was insane, but Canadians don't know what to do.

We need to change the power that a majority vote gives to one man and one party, possibly by having proportional representation implemented in our parliament so our democracy can never be trampled on again the way this government has seen fit to do.

Let's not concentrate on all the "small stuff" like fighting about the damn fence the government put up. That is what our government wants us to do -- waste time and money while they laugh behind our backs.

Amy Kalinowski Oakville

Tactics debated to death

ellie kirzner quotes patty bar-

rera of Common Frontiers (NOW, May 17-23) saying, "There will be political costs to the things that happened in Quebec. We have to ask what is the role of diversity of tactics' and the role of violence and non-violence.'

I for one disagree. Diversity of tactics has been debated to death. We shouldn't put ourselves on trial for responding to a state that fired 5,000 tear gas rockets at us. The residents of Quebec and the crowds of protestors were calm and well organized. There was little damage as wrath was directed at the fence and cops.

Our federal government set up an environment of conflict. So let's move on to new actions and not blame ourselves. And we should keep in mind that it's hard to apologize when you're choking on gas or, as in the case of Eric Laferriere, no longer have a throat.

Day (NOW, May 10-16) contained this astonishing paragraph: "On Oxford Street three women plant marigolds in the road. Is the violence coming?' one asks urgently. No, you're safe,' I lie. The cops are surrounding (us)."

What assholes you are -- until you compensate the women for any harm your employee's actions caused them, reprimand that employee for endangering them and correct the damage you have done to trust within the anti-globalization movement by publishing a statement condemning his behaviour.

Nicolas Jefferson-Lenskyj Toronto

Another teacher-basher

it seems that max blanco is

joining the ever increasing ranks of teacher-bashers with his letter (NOW, May 17-23). What exactly does he mean by his last sentence, "It also explains much"? Is he saying that teachers are largely to blame for the supposed worsening of juvenile behaviour in our fair society?

As a person who was raised in a neighbourhood like the one Nigel Lezama describes in the original article (NOW, April 19-25), I can only say that I had both "good" and "bad" teachers. I survived the bad ones and I'm thankful for the good ones. However, with the increasing negativity that is launched in their direction, the good ones will eventually leave. Where will that leave the kids?

David Zapparoli Toronto

Saluting positive TTC idea

i salute ttc collector bruce

Bryer for daring to articulate a constructive idea for the benefit of TTC customers and other people in Toronto (NOW, May 17-23). He identifies correctly the cause of streetcar delays and traffic holdups -- the processing of customers boarding streetcars. Unfortunately, the TTC doesn't look kindly on creative ideas.

I think it easier and more practical to simply institute the Proof of Payment (POP) system as used on the Queen car throughout the TTC system. The TTC compromised the POP system by not providing enough on-board inspection of passengers' fares. Fare evasion soared when inspectors were cut as a cost-saving measure.

John M. Thompson Toronto

Gone with the Gentle Wind

as i listen to my enya music and

relax, I find myself contemplating how slipshod reporting can be, even in a free-thinking mag like NOW. Sheila Gostick's dismal article on the Gentle Wind Project seminar (NOW, May 10-16) is an example. Based strictly on personal opinion, no facts mess up the negative message about a healing project that has helped millions world- wide over the past 22 years.

Why distort this article that goes all out to be negative with the truth? Why mention that the GWP has undergone double-blind studies by independent organizations like the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients before their findings were indeed published? Or cloud the article with truths like the many people who have been helped to overcome addictions or the war veterans who can now sleep in peace at night?

By the way, the puck is not cardboard, but a delrin case that holds quartz crystals, cell salt, semi-precious stones and herbs.

Deb Frenette Toronto

Techno invented in Detroit

in response to kim hughes's

review of the New Deal show (NOW, May 17-23), I ask that your journalists actually research before they comment, "Since when were funk and electronic music supposed to converge?"

Don't get me wrong -- the show was good, but the fusion of these styles is not strange at all. Techno emerged from Detroit, a city with a Motown and funk history. Primarily influenced by the music of Kraftwerk and Parliament, the new electronic funk evolved, not to mention the countless funk bass lines I have heard in house tunes.

Jamie Kidd Toronto

A day when T.O. was great

micheal stipe woke up at

around noon on Thursay, May 17, and I and at least 15,000 other packed and happy sardines down at Yonge and Dundas last week know it. When Stipe belted out, "Have you ever seen the rain?" as it indeed started to rain, I knew I was going to be telling my kids about going to this concert.

Catherine Tyler Toronto

Sick idea had Mel all over it

y'all want close-ups of r.e.m. and

all their pimples? You got it! I'm not talking about a pimple on front man Michael Stipe's butt (or even his face), but rather, how the so-called "voice of a generation" is in fact a spoiled brat.

Shutting down Yonge for a has-been rock band is a crazy idea, and it has Lastman's name written all over it. I can see that midget plug-head jumping up and down with glee. "Yes! We got R.E.M., now bring on the Olympics!"

George Perry Toronto

Leaf chief a winner to them

derogatory mention was made

in your Upfront section (NOW, May 17-23) about our upcoming breakfast event with Richard Peddie. All you did was undermine Mr. Peddie, despite the fact the Leafs made the playoffs.

YES has been working to give unemployed youth pride, confidence and hope since 1968. By electing us runner-up in the NOW list of favourite charities, you gave us the recognition we deserve. Anyone interested in hearing Peddie speak about Building Winners can reserve a seat at the Arts and Letters Club at 8 am on Thursday, May 31, by calling 416-504-5516.